Melanin modification compositions and methods of use

Abstract

A method for the modification of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to modify melanin distribution are disclosed. A method for the reduction of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to reduce melanin distribution are disclosed. A representative composition comprises 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde and one or more additional active agents as well as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Carriers and excipients may be formulated for topical administration. Compositions may also be formulated for transdermal administration. The compositions may be used for the prevention and treatment of pigmentation disorders, by way of non-limited example, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and others. The compositions may be used for lightening skin.

1. A method of lightening skin in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising: a skin-lightening effective amount of a substituted benzaldehyde of from about 0.1% to about 0.5% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde, from about 0.01% to about 5.0% each of retinol, niacinamide, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, hexyl resorcinol, and ethyl linoleate, and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the substituted benzaldehyde composition reduces melanin distribution from about 10% to about 40%. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is topically or transdermally administered to the skin of the individual. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier is a topical carrier. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable topical carrier is a water-in-oil emulsion, cream, liquid, gel, oil, paste, ointment, suspension, foam, lotion, oil-in-water emulsion, water-in-oil-in-water emulsion, water-in-silicone emulsion, spray or serum carrier. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises one or more additional active agents. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the additional active agent is an antioxidant, a sunscreen, a sunprotectant, a sunblock, a skin-lightening agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an anti-acne agent or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the antioxidant is selected from the group of vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, idebenone, lycopene, green tea polyphenols, silybin, resveratrol, grape seed extract, Oregon grape root ( Mahonia aquifolium ) extract, pomegranate extract, genistein, pycnogenol, curcumin, curcuminoids, tocopherol, dunaliella salina extract or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the skin-lightening agent is selected from the group of hydroquinone, monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, mequinol, retinoids, soy proteins, alpha-hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, hydroquinone-beta-D-glucopyranoside, paper mulberry, glabridin, 4-isopropylcetchol, aleosin, N-acetyl-4-S-cycteaminylphenol, N-propionyl-4-S-cysteaminylphenol, N-acetyl glucosamine, tranexaminc acid, undecylenoyl phenylalanine, an alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone antagonist, phytic acid, or combinations thereof.